Many people feel overwhelmed when it comes to gathering supplies for potential natural disasters because there are so many supplies they want to buy. This is a result of the large demand for survival goods. However, some survival equipment can be quite expensive, and people who lack the funds to buy it often become anxious.
You shouldn’t worry if you feel unprepared for survival in the event of an emergency or disaster because you can also consider the possibility that you already have some of the items you might need for survival. If this is causing you anxiety, you shouldn’t be because it’s possible that you already have some of the supplies you’ll need to survive.
1. Duct Tape
In the event of a crisis, one of the most useful things you can keep in your home is duct tape because of its adaptability. There are an infinite number of ways in which duct tape can be used for survival, such as making rope, repairing tools, shoes, and clothing, constructing a shelter and making sure it is waterproof, and so on. Duct tape is useful for a wide variety of emergency repairs, so keep some on hand just in case.
2. Hand Sanitizer
In times of crisis, maintaining proper hygiene is frequently neglected; however, something as simple as washing your hands regularly can protect you from numerous life-threatening pathogens.
When you do not have easy access to soap and water, using hand sanitizer is the most hygienic thing you can do to clean your hands. As a result of the fact that the majority of hand sanitizers contain alcohol as their primary ingredient, they are also an excellent replacement for lighter fluid.
3. Linens and Towels
People who are crafty and creative have almost unlimited resources at their disposal in the form of hand towels, bath towels, beach towels, and bed linens. This type of absorbent fabric can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including but not limited to wound dressings, insulation, baby blankets, and even as a fire starter. Fabric can be cut up into pieces and reassembled into an almost infinite variety of useful objects by a person who is skilled in the hand sewing technique.
4. Oil
These days, there is a lot of emphases placed on leading healthy lifestyles, so many people are trying to focus on foods that are low in calories and fat in their daily lives. However, when it comes to a fight for your life, it’s all about the calories. You can use the cooking oil in your kitchen for its intended purposes, such as cooking and baking, but it can also be used as a source of additional calories in your diet.
There are approximately 120 calories in one tablespoon of any oil that is safe for human consumption. Because the stress of a crisis will cause both your metabolism and your workload to speed up, you need to ensure that you are getting enough calories to keep up with them. Any food can have additional calories added to it by adding a tablespoon or two of oil.
Oils that are safe for human consumption can also be used as a lotion or balm to treat dry skin and cracked lips. In addition, the same oil can be used to light lamps that run on oil as a source of fuel. You can pour liquid forms of oil into traditional kerosene lanterns. It is also possible to make your oil lamps from the ground up. Put a few ounces of oil, either liquid or solid, in a bowl or cup made of glass, metal, or ceramic and use it as a container because it is fireproof.
5. Knife
Should the situation call for it, the jingling drawer full of kitchen knives can easily serve dual purposes as both tools and weapons. When you twist a knife, it transforms into a drill. When used for chopping, a cleaver is comparable to a hatchet in terms of effectiveness. After being fitted with a makeshift sheath, steak knives and paring knives can serve admirably in place of a pocket knife if the sheath is sufficiently durable.
6. Aluminum Foil
Tin foil can be used to cook food thanks to its excessive adaptability, durability, and insulating properties. You can use it to make a pot or bowl by easily shaping it into the desired shape, or you can make a frying pan by wrapping it around a branch in the shape of a Y.
Aside from its uses in the preparation of food, aluminum foil also makes an excellent emergency signal because of the reflectivity it possesses. Tin foil can be used as a fire starter with the assistance of an AA battery. Aluminum foil can also be used in the preparation of food.
7. Paper Clips
Paperclips can be bent easily but are difficult to break, which means that they can be twisted or linked to serving any purpose that may arise. You can link them together to make a chain, use them as fish hooks, makeshift needles, or lock picks, or you can make fish hooks out of them. Paperclips are an excellent choice for constructing a splint if you are running low on first aid supplies. A splint can be used for minor breaks or strains to the fingers or toes.
8. Salt
One of the challenges that arise in the event of a power outage that is expected to last for a significant amount of time is determining how to keep food fresh for a longer period. You don’t need to be concerned about this, however, if you already have some salt in your kitchen.
This is because salt is used as a preservative in many foods. As a consequence of this, you can use some of it to rub onto meats and other foods to make them last longer. In addition to that, you can also make use of salt as an antiseptic in your home. Gargling warm water that has been seasoned with salt is an effective treatment for sore throats, even if you do not have any medicines on hand.
During the winter months, salt can also be quite helpful. It can be used to melt snow, and it can also be used to add traction to slippery surfaces. Salt can be used to remove rust from cookware before it is used, which is a useful skill to have if all you have left to use for food preparation is rusted cookware. When it comes to making non-stick surfaces in the kitchen, salt is another great ingredient to use.
9. Garbage Bags
If you have extra-large garbage bags on hand, the kind that is used to collect leaves and other types of debris or garbage, you can also use those bags for purposes related to survival if you have them in stock. Garbage bags can be used to create emergency tents or to seal the doors and windows of shelters.
In addition to that, you can make waterproof sleeping areas with them, or you can wear one as a poncho. Both of these options are available. Garbage bags have multiple applications and can be used for a variety of tasks including the collection and storage of water as well as other uses. Therefore, you should put aside a roll of heavy-duty garbage bags in case you ever find yourself in a situation where you need them.
10. Shoelaces
Additionally, shoelaces can be put to a variety of uses. You can construct a shelter out of sticks by tying them together with these, and you can also use them as a fishing line. Shoelaces can also be used to set traps and the bow-and-drill method can be used to start a fire.
In any situation requiring survival, preparation is the most important factor, and high-quality survival gear should always be a part of your pack on any kind of outdoor excursion. On the other hand, there will inevitably come a time when you will be stuck in a difficult circumstance with nothing but the things in your house to rely on for assistance. For more items that you can use for survival or emergency situations, check out our Guide to Selecting Survival Gear.